Meeting Minutes

April 17, 2018

Meeting was called to order by VP Carol Johnson who was filling in for Matthew who is recovering from a heart attack.

Guests:

Howard Strauss, Jason Thompson and Kerry Bennett

Minutes:

Printed minutes for the April 10 meeting were not available. Betsy Reed Schultz moved and Kevin Hoult seconded that minutes be postponed until next week. Motion carried.

Peggy Norris was asked to take minutes since Secretary Debbie Swanson was absent.

Announcements:

Betsy said the Captain Joseph Golf Tournament will be held on May 19, Armed Forces Day. Contact her for more information and for entrance forms.

Kevin thanked everyone for the get well cards sent to him last fall after his surgery. Cards were received this week!

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 2, at Vern Burton Center, for Dan DiGulio who passed away January 30.

Program: Matt Acker, Lefties Baseball

Andrew May, in introducing PA Lefties Baseball Owner, Matt Acker, said Port Angeles is fortunate that it was chosen to be the hometown. Matt said he and the team are doing what they can to bring people here and to help the economic development in the area. His family has moved here and his boys are in the local school system. He thanked Edna Petersen for all her help and hospitality. He also thanked Nathan West for all his help in the permitting process. The area is benefiting from services and supplies bought here, from local people put to work and improvements to Civil Field. He pays for lodging for visiting teams and says lack of hotel space is a concern. He is now working on getting the Washington Hospitality Association to hold one of their annual conventions in Port Angeles.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE!

School Kids profit by paper airplane contests, coaching and drills. Students from several classes at Franklin walked to Civic Field where they got the feel of the field, the dug out, the lockers and sound system.

An All Star Game on July 16 & 17 will bring hundreds of people to town. Representatives from Major/Minor Ball clubs and from Universities will get a look at the players and a look at Port Angeles.He is already concerned about the lack of hotel space.

A home run contest will be held at Hollywood Beach. Don’t worry, the balls won’t sink and will be shagged by kayakers.

He said several industries have asked about locating to Port Angeles. Again, he talked about the lack of good, clean, affordable housing.

Questions and Answers

Parking:

So far parking has not been a problem at Civic Field. Many walk or ride their bikes. He would lke to see a trolley system that woudl go around town – especially the ferry docks – and pick up people going to a game. He said there are 3 waves of people at games: Early, late & close to end.

Media Coverage:

KONP cannot carry games due to a commitment to the Mariners. A Monday morning Coaches Corner will feature updates and interviews.

Player Draft:

He said there is no draft. He or a team representative will travel to major/minor league games, to universities or will send out flyers indicating what positions need to be filled. Players usually prove themselves in two years, but some players who are really crowd pleasers, might stay a little longer. Some players with local families which is proving to be a win/win situation.

Lefties are encouraged to walk or ride their bikes. You can’t miss their bright painted bikes or the 6′ + riders on those bikes.

Field Signs:

Matt says he prefers to spend his time and money on the players and getting people to the games instead of selling field signs.

Business / Organization Ties:

The team loves to help non profit and charitable organizations. Those wanting topartner on special events need to contact him by early Fall because by May he has connections tied up and is ready to concentrate on the new season.

Upcoming Meeting:

Apr 24: Fire Chief, Sam Phillips
May 31: First Lefties home game against Victoria Harbourcats (General admission tickets are still just $5.00)